Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: xCyclone on May 31, 2009, 07:19:56 AM

Title: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: xCyclone on May 31, 2009, 07:19:56 AM
I am building the 50 dollar robot and I am modifying my servos. I have all the materials except the avr programmer. It says that I need to center the servo using the microcontroller to center it but I dont have the progammer. And it says that u can do it manually but it wont be as precise. I went ahead and cut off the plastic stoppers how do I center it and why do u glue the pot head?
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: SmAsH on May 31, 2009, 01:59:22 PM
well, the only method i know of is to solder 2 2k2 resistors where the pot was...
i have never done that one myself... the reason you glue the pothead down so none of the turning parts knocks
it off center thus making you remodify it.
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: xCyclone on May 31, 2009, 02:18:12 PM
but how do you get it to 0 degrees position manually?
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: SmAsH on May 31, 2009, 02:24:37 PM
well if your good you could probably guess where the center point is by turning the pot?
how long do you think it will be before you get your hands on a programmer?
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: kpmcgurk on May 31, 2009, 03:12:23 PM
Its not that hard, give me an hour, And I will post up a link on how to do it!
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: kpmcgurk on May 31, 2009, 05:14:50 PM
here you go, sorry for the slow site, I am working on upgrading to a new domain with a half way decent server(not a crappy free one) :D


http://www.firstairsoft.com/servo_mod (http://www.firstairsoft.com/servo_mod)
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: SmAsH on June 01, 2009, 03:46:42 AM
man that is a good tutorial!
very informative and the pictures are great!
i hope to see some more tutorials from you in the future, im sure they would be great ;D
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: kpmcgurk on June 01, 2009, 05:35:31 AM
I am working on it! I will be purchasing my domain tonight(along with hosting) and then I will actualy have room for the pictures ;)
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: SmAsH on June 01, 2009, 05:53:22 AM
wow, that's great to hear, whats the domain going to be?
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: kpmcgurk on June 01, 2009, 05:58:17 AM
Thats actualy something I am still working on ;) I have a few Ideas, but as most people know ALL THE GOOD DOMAINS ARE TAKEN :(

If you have an Idea, The help would be awesome!!
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: SmAsH on June 01, 2009, 06:06:48 AM
something relating to what your site is about will be good.
and out of curiosity, how much were you paying for the airsoft domain?
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: kpmcgurk on June 01, 2009, 06:24:36 AM
9.99 a year(with free hosting)
new one will be 9.99 a year(with 5.99 a month hosting)unless I need more

you can do alot with the free hosting, although it is really solaw, and they have that Ad bar above the site
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: xCyclone on June 01, 2009, 11:21:54 AM
Thank you both. This has helped me A LOT!!!!! Smash that idea on my other ? about mounting the servos that was a good idea. actually my grandfather (he is helping me with the chassis) he also thought of that but we decided to go velcro and btw does anyone have tips on soldering I have been practicing on wire with a soldering gun with a bigger gauge and then I tried with my 22 gauge and so far I stink at it... any tips?
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: kpmcgurk on June 01, 2009, 12:42:46 PM
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=6602.msg44368#new (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=6602.msg44368#new)

great videos
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: xCyclone on June 01, 2009, 01:37:37 PM
do you know of any more that are about a pcb? like the one for the 50 dollar robot
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: galannthegreat on June 01, 2009, 01:55:38 PM
Well, I assume that you've watched the vids. So... instead of learning with a big soldering gun, go and get a general sized soldering iron (between 25 and 30 watts, give or take), and practice with that, you'll find that a lot easier and less stressful.

P.S. Remember, you are not an artist, so don't brush the solder on (if you are not, disregard this).

Good luck, and I hope to see the 'bot soon!
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: SmAsH on June 01, 2009, 02:41:10 PM
a good way to start soldering is to have a decent iron,
not something that cost $15 and has been sitting in the garage for 10 years.

when i started soldering i was using my dads old iron and the tip was about as wide as my pinky and
the tip was corroded real bad.
i generally try to use 40-65W irons but if you have some extra cash laying around get a temp controlled iron!
otherwise remember this. "the hotter the iron the shorter you have to solder but the less likely you will damage your components" with a lower wattage, you have to hold the iron on the for longer thus increasing the chance you will overheat a component.
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: kpmcgurk on June 01, 2009, 03:32:24 PM
do you know of any more that are about a pcb? like the one for the 50 dollar robot


yup, what do you need to know about it?
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: xCyclone on June 01, 2009, 03:47:35 PM
just basic soldering the components and wires... this is my very first time EVER doing robotics. My grandmother got me incouraged into doing it so I have no soldering skills and the only person in my family that knows is my dad b/c he is a electrician 
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: xCyclone on June 01, 2009, 03:49:52 PM
a good way to start soldering is to have a decent iron,
not something that cost $15 and has been sitting in the garage for 10 years.

when i started soldering i was using my dads old iron and the tip was about as wide as my pinky and
the tip was corroded real bad.
i generally try to use 40-65W irons but if you have some extra cash laying around get a temp controlled iron!
otherwise remember this. "the hotter the iron the shorter you have to solder but the less likely you will damage your components" with a lower wattage, you have to hold the iron on the for longer thus increasing the chance you will overheat a component.

i have a 15 watt new soldering iron from radioshack i didn't want to fry my pcb or componets and I got it new for 15 bucks
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: kpmcgurk on June 01, 2009, 03:53:01 PM
Its fine it will work for your needs.

Just watch those videos, and they will teach you everything you need to know to start. And everything else you will need to know will come from experience !!
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: Trumpkin on June 01, 2009, 03:54:01 PM
Quote
a good way to start soldering is to have a decent iron,
not something that cost $15 and has been sitting in the garage for 10 years.

when i started soldering i was using my dads old iron and the tip was about as wide as my pinky and
the tip was corroded real bad.
i generally try to use 40-65W irons but if you have some extra cash laying around get a temp controlled iron!
otherwise remember this. "the hotter the iron the shorter you have to solder but the less likely you will damage your components" with a lower wattage, you have to hold the iron on the for longer thus increasing the chance you will overheat a component.
Higher wattage doesn't equal a hotter iron.
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: SmAsH on June 02, 2009, 12:39:10 AM
you serious!?!
i could've swarn that a 60W will've been hotter than my 45W?
then what does the wattage effect?
Title: Re: Modifying HS 311 Servo
Post by: galannthegreat on June 02, 2009, 11:11:02 AM
The heat is relative to the type of element used within the iron. I have an "energy efficient" 15 watt iron that gets as hot as any high temp irons.  ;D